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Today we are checking out the latest wireless mobile storage solution from Patriot known as the Aero. Available in two different capacities, 500GB and 1TB, we have the larger model on hand for testing. Designed to be accessed any where at any time, we plan to find out if the Patriot Aero is as practical and useful as the specifications suggest...
Patriot’s Aero 1TB seems to be trying to target a wider audience than their previous release along the same lines – the Gaunlet Node series – by being packaged as a complete unit. Where as the Gaunlet Node is a DIY mobile wireless storage device which requires the user to bring their own 2.5" hard drive, the Aero comes with everything you need to get up and running right out of the box.
Built-in storage for tablets, smartphones and laptops can be very limiting and if you are looking for more than only 16GB storage it can be downright expensive. Upgrading from standard models with 16GB to 64GB or even 128GB can add $300+. So the Patriot Aero at $200, with 1TB storage, Wi-Fi connectivity including Internet sharing for up to 8 devices, built in battery, and USB 3.0 (compatible also with USB 2.0), may be the cost effective and practical solution you are looking for. We were quite impressed with the size of the Aero, and at first glance this is an attractive little piece of hardware that would not disappoint anyone. With battery-level indicator at the push of a button, a well-protected power button (there's nothing more frustrating than accidental bumps), status LEDs and rubber feet to stop the base being scratched, Patriot has put quite some effort into a practical design, which is good to see. At just 8.6cm (D) x 13.9cm (W) x 2.44cm (H) and weighing about 300 grams, this is one very portable, bag friendly entertainment unit. With a built in Lithium Ion Battery (stating ~6hours streaming life), AC wall power charger and USB micro charger, there really isn’t much more Patriot could add to this unit.
Wi-Fi steps in with support for 802.11 b/g/n, Internet Pass-through, support for Samba connection and WEP/WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK Security. The Aero is able to support up to five devices streaming 720p content at once, which could come in handy during business meetings, parties or even keeping the kids happy. A common scenario where this unit would shine in everyday family life is keeping the kids entertained while dinner is being made - it would be pretty easy with some smart phones or tablets and the Patriot Aero.
As mentioned earlier, on opening the box you are greeted with a great looking product, which is a good start to the enjoyment of your new purchase. The only exceptions to this for some might be the usual first line in the manual for these types of devices - initial charge required (up to 6hrs) - and the fact that the product guide itself is very limited. It would be easy to see how a good percentage of beginner to intermediate PC users (even those that use computers on a daily basis) would not be overly confident setting this unit up for the first time.
We encountered no major issues while setting up the Aero on our PC, however we did notice that occasionally it would require a simple disconnect/reconnect on our Wi-Fi adapter to get it working. So how do you access the files easily? This unit has you covered, with apps for all of the usual i-devices and Android devices (whether they be in phone or tablet form of course) along with Kindle – PC and Mac access being available via Wireless or USB means. With ready to install apps on Amazon, Google Playstore and iTunes Appstore – setting this unit up on mobile devices is extremely easy. The Google Playstore app however could use some polish, and of course with Apple devices you are limited to only file types supported by Apple, where Android allowed all file types including DivX, etc.
While simply connecting to the Aero was easy, some slight tweaks to the menu could come in handy. For example, setting up the internet pass-through is not a simple task and certainly not something a novice user will find quick and easy. An example of how Patriot could have made the Aero more user friendly would have been to add a quick link in the PC setup menu to browse HDD contents. On PC via USB however, the Patriot Aero is a simple plug and play device with no annoying custom software needed, so no issue there. We were sorry to see no support to connect to existing networks, this would make the user experience friendlier rather than having to keep switching network connections especially on PC. A final note, you can either use USB connection, or Wi-Fi – but not both simultaneously. |
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eForce |
Posted on: 06/18/2013 01:15 PM
Thanks for the review, looks like a decent product and I like the concept. Are there many other devices like this? |
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LSD |
Posted on: 06/20/2013 12:33 PM
Looks like a decent product. Would be amazing if it supported wired network as well but I guess that's not really the point since its a mobile device. |
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Chris Ittensohn |
Posted on: 06/24/2013 09:09 AM
Welcome - some alternatives would be the Corsair Voyager Air (500GB version being reviewed soon), Seagate Satellite or Kingston Wi-Drive. |
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ProX |
Posted on: 06/26/2013 10:14 PM
Interesting product but it does look a little crude. I will keep an eye out for the Voyager Air review. |